Sunday School lesson: Did Jesus die on a cross or a stake?

Sunday School lesson: Did Jesus die on a cross or a stake?

Author: Christian Podcast Community May 4, 2026 Duration: 54:55

Here is the Sunday School lesson I taught this Sunday. Jehovah's Witnesses argue that Jesus died on an upright stake with no crossbeam. His hands were nailed together above his head. This is because the Greek words stauros and xulon only mean one piece of timber.

They're actually right about what those words literally mean. Does that mean Jesus didn't die on a cross? Let's look at some evidence from the Bible and historical works before Constantine that strongly suggest a cross beam.

Sources Cited:

"Did Jesus Die on a Cross?" JW.org.

New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed., s.v. "Cross, Crucifixion" (pp. 245-246).

The Imperial Bible-Dictionary, vol. 1., s.v. "Cross."

E. W. Bullinger, The Companion Bible, Appendix 162 ("The Cross and Crucifixion").

William Wood Seymour, The Cross in Tradition, History, and Art (pp. 54,64,73,75).

Frederick Zugibe, The Crucifixion of Jesus: A Forensic Inquiry, 2nd ed. (New York: M. Evans and Company, Inc., 2005), 104.

"The Epistle of Barnabas," NewAdvent.org.

"Dialogue with Trypho (Chapters 89-108)," NewAdvent.org.

Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Roman Antiquities, Book VII.

Artemidorus Daldianus, Oneirocritica 1:76.

Lucian, Trial in the Court of Vowels, 12.4-13.

"The Alexamenos Graffito," ChristianIconography.info.

"The Staurogram," Biblical Archaeology Society, September 30, 2025.

Patrick Young, "Early Christian Symbols: Staurogram," Forgotten Christianity on Substack, March 20, 2026.

"The Cross - Is it Biblical?" JW.org.

Scriptures Referenced:

Matthew 27:37

John 20:24-25

John 21:18-19

John 19:31-33

Mark 15:44

1 Corinthians 1:18,23

We value your feedback!

Have questions for Truthspresso? Contact us!


Imagine a digital sanctuary where diverse voices gather to explore faith, life, and spirituality from a Christian perspective. That's the essence of The Christian Podcast Community. This unique podcast isn't a single show with a fixed host, but rather a central hub-a curated collection and aggregator of content from various creators all united under this banner. It offers a multifaceted listening experience, where each episode might introduce you to a different teacher, storyteller, or thinker from within the broader community. You'll encounter conversations about practical faith, personal testimonies, theological discussions, and explorations of how ancient wisdom meets modern life. The feed provides a convenient, consolidated way to access this variety, ensuring you hear a spectrum of insights and styles without needing to subscribe to dozens of individual feeds. Tune in to discover new favorite voices and be part of a collective journey that celebrates the many ways people live out and discuss their beliefs. This aggregator model means your listening experience is always fresh, diverse, and deeply rooted in a shared spiritual foundation, all delivered through this central community podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Christian Podcast Community
Podcast Episodes
My Son and I Testify Against an Abortion Drug Law [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:11
On May 6th my son and I testified on the Colorado Senate floor (online) against HB26-1335 ("Concerning Access to Abortion Medication Services on Colorado College Campuses"). This law requires colleges and universities (w…
Ephesians 5 - Watch How and Where You Walk. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
Watch Your Walk: We Don’t Want to Be a Church That Simply Watches God Move Somewhere Else on Social Media and Clicks the “Like” Button.Text Ephesians 5:15-20
Matt Slick Live, June 5, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 06/5/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, a…
Matt Slick Live, June 4, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 06/4/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, a…
Ep.229 A Proper View of Christian Liberty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:54
In this episode, Pastors Ekkie and Nathaniel examine the biblical doctrine of Christian liberty and what it truly means to be free in Christ. Many misunderstand liberty as permission to do whatever they desire, while oth…
Matt Slick Live, June 3, 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 06/3/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, a…
STREET TALK THEOLOGY Principal's Corner 12 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:11
In today's episode, Pastor Dom is joined by Principal Nick Heward of Logos Christian Academy. Together, the two discuss the process of getting children enrolled for next year, as the current school year approaches its en…
Sermon | We are the Body | 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:35
What is the Church? Is it a building, a denomination, or something more? In this recent sermon preached at my local church, we explored 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and discovered that the Church is the Body of Christ. Every b…